Apple

New M7 details reveal outstanding power efficiency

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 30, 2013

Apple has made quite a noise about its brand new chip, the M7 motion coprocessor designed to offload taking sensor measurements from the iPhone 5s's main A7 processor. Because the M7 requires at least one-sixth of the power versus the 64-bit A7 chip, it can log data from the accelerometer, gyroscope and compass sensors independently of the A7 package, thus allowing for substantial power savings.

The details of how this data is captured and what power savings developers can count on were kept to Apple's chest until the Argus app made headlines as the first fitness software optimized for the M7 silicon. Here are a few previously unknown details about Apple's motion coprocessor hardware...

New iPhones (again) available with in-store pickup

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 6, 2013

Exactly a week ago, Apple extended its Personal Pickup service to the new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, allowing customers to order their handset online for same-day delivery to one of Apple's retail outlets in the United States. Then the following day it pulled the in-store pickup for both new iPhones without an explanation, with anonymous sources telling one publication the company will reinstate the option today. Sure enough, both new handsets are now available with in-store pickup option...

Rdio promises to bring back Recommendations

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated February 13, 2018

As of recently, Rdio has been making a number of moves in a bid to fight off the Apple iTunes Radio threat. Just a few days ahead of Apple's September 10 iTunes Radio launch, Rdio unveiled a new ad-supported music service in partnership with radio operator Cumulus.

And back in August, the popular service gained such abilities as station tuning, improved search, Pandora-style personalized Stations and more.

Rdio's latest effort to re-introduce some of the original magic involves bringing back Recommendations, a feature popularized by the inaugural 1.0 version of Rdio...

TSMC could account for bulk of A8 production

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 30, 2013

The sometimes-reliable Taiwanese publication, DigiTimes, has been saying for years that Apple was shifting its chip manufacture away from Samsung and towards its rival, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

In its new report Monday, the trade publication now claims that TSMC will be responsible for the bulk of orders for Apple's next-generation processor, the A8 chip, with Samsung taking care of about one-third of orders...

Apple surpasses Coca-Cola to become world’s most valuable brand

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Apple has overtaken Coca-Cola as the new most valuable brand in the world, according to a new report from brand consulting firm Interbrand. The move puts an end to the beverage company's 13-year reign as #1.

The firm calculates that the Apple brand is worth in upwards of $100 billion. And it says that its 'ethos' played a big factor in why the iPad-maker was able to beat out other tech companies like Google and Samsung...

In response to copycat claims, Samsung posts history of gold phones

Cody Lee ∙ September 29, 2013

Last week, Samsung beefed up its marketing efforts for the Gold Edition of its Galaxy S4 smartphone. The handset technically launched back in late August, but the timing of its new advertising push spawned some negative PR.

The company's highlighting of the gold S4 a week after Apple unveiled its gold iPhone brought about 'copycat' accusations—something the tech giant has been found guilty of on several occasions. But Samsung says that's not the case...

Apple to pay AT&T iPad 3G owners $40 in unlimited data lawsuit

Cody Lee ∙ September 29, 2013

In a ruling issued last week in San Jose, California, US District Judge Ronald Whyte green-lighted a plan for Apple to pay $40 to everyone in the US who purchased an iPad 3G before June 2010.

The decision comes in response to several class action suits waged against Apple and AT&T, accusing them of advertising an unlimited data plan, and then taking it away after they purchased their iPad...

Apple posts new iTunes Festival video ‘Moments’

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 15, 2018

There's only a few days left in the month, and that means that Apple's iTunes Festival is winding down. In fact, the show will come to a close on Monday, September 30 with a performance from Katy Perry.

To commemorate the event, Apple has tonight posted a short video to its YouTube channel entitled 'Moments,' which highlights a few of the 60 acts that took the stage in London over the past 30 days...

Apple to resume in-store iPhone 5s pickups next week

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Apple extended its Personal Pickup service to the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c on Monday, enabling customers to check availability at their local Apple retailers and schedule in-store pickups for both of the handsets.

The service was particularly handy for 5s shoppers, given that initial supplies were very limited, and online shipping times quickly slipped to October. But without explanation, Apple pulled the option the following day...

Apple working with MLB on interactive Ballpark app

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Apple has teamed up with Major League Baseball developers to enhance their 'MLB.com at the Park' app, according to a new report from Mashable. They're said to be working to create custom, interactive stadium experiences for fans.

The app, which has apparently been worked on by the pair since February, takes advantage of Apple's new iBeacon micro-location APIs in iOS 7 to provide users with info on their devices specific to where they're at in the ballpark...

Microsoft officially launches its $200 iPhone trade-in bait

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 27, 2013

Forbes on Wednesday reported that Microsoft will be extending its existing $200 iPad trade-in offer to Apple's iPhone as well. Sure enough, today the promotion has gone live. It's part of Microsoft's running #timetoswitch Windows Phone and Windows 8 campaign that encompasses television, print, online and social media channels.

Similar to the iPad promotion, the Windows giant has partnered with recycle firm CExchange to lure would-be switchers into bringing in their existing iPhone handset in good working condition for up to $200 credit, redeemable against Microsoft Store purchases...

Apple Maps team hiring Web UI designer for ‘secret project’

Cody Lee ∙ September 27, 2013

Apple has posted a new job listing today, calling for a Maps Web User Interface Designer. The inquiry asks that applicants be able to design, develop, and maintain complex front-end code for a new 'secret project.'

The position is located in Santa Clara Valley, California. And according to the listing, it's part of a smal team that is working on an advanced web platform that will be the backbone of many future Apple services...